New Delhi, July 3: The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which adjourned sine die on Tuesday, recorded an impressive productivity of 103 per cent, according to Speaker Om Birla.
Speaker Birla noted that a total of seven sittings were conducted during the session, lasting approximately 34 hours. During this period, 539 newly elected members took their oaths.
This session also marked the re-election of Om Birla as Speaker and featured the President’s address to the joint session of Parliament. Birla highlighted that 68 members participated in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
Expressing gratitude for his re-election as Speaker on June 26, Birla thanked the members for electing him through a voice vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Council of Ministers to the House on the same day.
The discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, which began on June 27, lasted more than 18 hours and saw participation from 68 members, with an additional 50 members submitting their speeches. The debate concluded with Prime Minister Modi’s reply on July 2. Rahul Gandhi’s appointment as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was announced on June 27.
During the session, 41 matters were addressed under Rule 377, and three statements were made under Direction 73A. Additionally, 338 papers were laid before the House.
Birla expressed his appreciation for Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Pro-tem Speaker, for ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings during the oath-taking and the election of the Speaker. He also thanked the Prime Minister, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, leaders of parties, and members of the House for their cooperation in the smooth running of the session.
This was the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha following the recent elections. The session commenced on June 24 with the swearing-in of the new members. The BJP-led NDA secured its third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 293 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc won 243 seats.
